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AKUFO-ADDO MARKS 3RD ANNIVERSARY
OF ALHAJI ALIU MAHAMA’S DEATH
Shakespeare’s inimitable language, in the mouth of Mark
Anthony, during his celebrated funeral oration for Julius
Ceasar, captures the relationship I had with the late Alhaji
Aliu Mahama: “He was my friend, faithful and just to me.”
Dependable friend, faithful colleague, just leader – the
attributes of Aliu Mahama.
Today, November 16, 2016, marks three years of the death of
Alhaji Aliu Mahama – a day when Ghana lost a patriot and
dignified public servant.
Indeed, the first of his faith in our history to occupy the
high office of Vice President of the Republic, his conduct
in that office was a credit to all Moslems, and, indeed, to
all Ghanaians. Proud Dagomba, he personified the best traits
of the Ghanaian character – honest, patriotic, responsible,
tolerant.
It is not often that the New Patriotic Party takes someone
to its collective heart so wholeheartedly, but the late
Alhaji Aliu Mahama managed to charm most people in the
party.
We met some twenty four years ago in Tamale when I was busy
helping to organise the expansion of the Danquah Busia
Memorial Club in preparation for the formation of the New
Patriotic Party. He had an open house for all and sundry,
especially for adherents of our common tradition. I
recognised, from the outset, his deep attachment to the
values and principles of the Danquah-Dombo-Busia political
tradition – the values of fairness and opportunity,
commitment to individual freedom and human rights, respect
for the rule of law and the principles of democratic
accountability, and confidence in a dynamic market economy
as the best vehicle for generating prosperity for the mass
of our people.
The cordial relations between us survived even our
competition for the leadership of the party, and lasted till
the unfortunate end. Three years on, I still feel a deep,
personal loss.
On this day, and on behalf of the entire membership of the
NPP, we pledge to work to keep the Aliu flame alight. To his
widow, Hajia Ramatu Aliu Mahama, and the family, we pray for
Allah’s continued strength for them. I am certain Aliu will
have a smile on his face knowing that his son, Farouk, has
named his new-born 2-week old son Aliu Mahama, in his honour.
May the Almighty Allah continue to bless him and grant him
eternal rest.
……signed……
Nana Akufo-Addo
2016 NPP Presidential Candidate
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